After more than thirty years of faithful service in Christ to St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS), Eleana Silk is retiring from her position as librarian of the Seminary’s Father Georges Florovsky Library.
"So many students, so many graduating classes, the internet and library database have helped to catalog more than 175,000 volumes…” Silk reflected. “I have especially appreciated meeting and working with the many people who have donated materials to the library over the years."
Silk began working for SVOTS in September, 1985. In addition to her work for the Seminary, she remained an active member at all levels of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), serving on the OCA’s Metropolitan Council and Department of History and Archives, co-editing the book, The Legacy of St. Vladimir (SVS Press, 1990), and writing articles for The Orthodox Church, The FROC Journal and the OCA's Resource Handbook for Lay Ministries. Silk also served as secretary of the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (OCEC) She earned a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University, a B.S. in Geology from George Washington University, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) from St. Vladimir's Seminary, and a Master of Science in Library Science from Columbia University.
“Eleana was one of my primary go-to people whenever I needed to tap the vast ‘institutional memory’ of this place,” said Seminary President Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield. “She has presided over numerous transitions in the history of our Seminary library, and we thank God for her many years of service.”
The Seminary is planning a celebration to honor Silk’s many years of service later this fall.
The Seminary has also launched a search to find Silk’s replacement as head of the Father Georges Florovsky Library, considered one of the richest resources available in North America for research in Eastern Christianity. Information on how to apply may be found on the Seminary’s Employment Opportunities page.
